Nutrition for Men

Maintaining a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods is the best weapon you have for staying healthy. According to the American Heart and Stroke Association, heart disease is the #1 killer of men. That’s mostly because Americans eat high-fat, high-calorie foods with little nutritional value. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to get on the healthy eating train and even enjoy these tasty, nutritious foods.

• Eat 2-3 cups of fruit a day and 3 cups of vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, along with other essential nutrients to keep you healthy.
• Cut back on processed foods that are high in carbohydrates and hydrogenated vegetable oils.
• Eat fish at least two times a week, which is good for both heart health and brain health.
• Read and compare food labels. Generally speaking, the more words on the ingredients list, the worse the food is for you. Stay away from highly processed foods.
• Limit sugary beverages (i.e., fruit juices and sodas)
• Limit your intake of alcohol, up to two drinks maximum per day.

After you purchase nutritious foods, it’s time to prepare them in a healthy way. Use spices to flavor your meals. Cook on the grill rather than frying. Watch your food portion sizes. The longer you select healthy foods, the sooner you will crave them and no longer reach for the bag of chips when you’re hankering for a snack. Check out the USDA Nutrition Guidelines for Americans to learn more about portion sizes and recommended intake amounts for the various nutritional food groups.